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Recovery After Laser Piles Surgery : Day-by-Day Guide
Recovery After Laser Piles Surgery : Day-by-Day Guide
If you or a family member have recently been recommended laser piles surgery it is likely one of the first things you want to know is how the recovery process will be. Will it hurt? How long will I need to rest for? How long until I’m back to doing normal activities? This post will show you how your recovery will go after laser piles surgery.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Laser Piles?
Most people will be able to go home within 24 hours of the procedure. You will be able to walk from the next day and dont need bed rest.However prolonged sitting and strenuous activity should be avoided.You can resume work from home within 3 to 5 days with a suppprtive cushion.You are advised to avoid long distance travel though.
You may experience some mild discomfort, light bleeding and some swelling for the first week. You will begin to find everyday activities comfortable after around 2 weeks and full healing of the inside will take around 4-6 weeks. The recovery time depends upon the grade of piles Everyone heals differently so it is always best to follow any advice from your surgeon.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Laser Piles Surgery?
Day 1 – Month 2
As laser piles surgery (laser hemorrhoidoplasty) does not require large incisions and stitches it will generally be a more comfortable recovery. However it is important to understand how long it will take to recover so you can be more relaxed and avoid any mistakes.
Day 1
You will be kept under observation for a few hours whilst the anaesthetic wears off. Most patients will be allowed to leave after 24 hours. You may experience some pressure and a feeling of fullness around your back passage. You may experience some mild discomfort and occasionally an urge to pass a motion. You should try to walk around the house a little. Drink plenty of water, take your medication as directed and have someone with you for the first night. Do not drive yourself home.
Days 2 & 3
This is generally when you will feel the most discomfort. You may experience some light bleeding onto the toilet paper or in your motion. Start using your sitz baths, keep your motions soft by using your laxative/fibre as recommended, apply xylocaine jelly inside the anal canal before and after motionand, take warm water sitz bath, avoid sitting on a hard surface for long periods of time. Using a soft cushion will help. Many people will begin to feel much better on day 3.
Week 1
Your pain will begin to subside. Swelling will reduce and bleeding will become less frequent. You may experience some light discharge and a feeling that everything isn’t quite back to normal. This is part of the healing process. Most people will be able to return to some light routine activities by the end of week 1. Avoid heavy lifting.
Weeks 2-4
You should begin to feel much more comfortable. Your motions will become easier and any bleeding or discharge will continue to reduce. This is a great time to start getting back into walking, light exercise and regular travelling. Continue to keep your fibre and water intake up as you may be tempted to stop due to feeling better but it is important to keep going to avoid constipation.
Month 2
Most patients will have fully healed by month 2. You will usually have follow up appointments on weekly basis to check your healing and confirm you can return to full activity. This is also a great time to get into good long term habits to prevent your piles from returning.
Will There Be Any Pain After Laser Piles Surgery?
There will be some discomfort however it is generally much less than people fear. As the piles are reduced internally there will be little to no large wounds so most people will experience some dull aching, pressure or burning sensations. This will be at its worst for the first 2-3 days and will gradually subside. You are likely to experience the most pain when passing a motion.
Normal:
Mild to moderate discomfort. Feeling of pressure/fullness. Minor swelling. Burning sensation after a motion. This will begin to improve each day.
Helpful tips:
Take your pain relief and soften your motions as directed. Sit in a warm sitz bath for 10-15 mins 2-3 times a day and after passing a motion, use xylocaine jelly liberally. If sitting is uncomfortable use a soft cushion or donut shaped cushion. Avoid straining and holding on. This will make your motions harder. If you are continuing to feel more pain after day 3/4 or it is severe and not being helped by your medication contact your doctor.
Diet After Piles Surgery
The type of diet you eat in the first few weeks will affect how easy or painful your motions will be. Aim for a high fibre diet.
Eat plenty of wholegrains such as jowar, bajra, oats and whole wheat roti. Fruits such as papaya, banana, guava, apple (with skin), pear and prunes. Vegetables, dals, sprouts and salads. Soaked isabgol (psyllium husk) is often recommended. Take as directed by your doctor. Add a spoon of ghee or a little olive oil to your meals (if okay with your doctor). Healthy oils will help your motions pass easily.
Drink plenty of water. Too much fibre without enough water can cause bloating and harder motions. Aim for 2-3 litres a day (unless told otherwise). Buttermilk, coconut water, clear soups and curd are good to add.
Avoid eating very spicy, oily, fried, pickled, heavy gravies and street food for the first couple of weeks. Reduce your intake of white flour (maida), white bread, bakery products, packaged foods and red meat. These are all low in fibre or take longer to digest. Reduce your intake of tea and coffee. Avoid alcohol and fizzy drinks as they can dehydrate you and irritate your gut. If you are prone to wind avoid eating raw cabbage, heavy beans and anything that normally causes you to bloat in the first week. Eat small, regular meals.
When Can I Return To Work, Driving, Travelling And Exercise?
Work:
Most people with desk based jobs will be able to return to work frim homevafter 3-5 days. Ensure you are getting up and walking every hour and using a cushion. If your job requires heavy lifting, long periods of standing or lots of travelling on rough roads you may need 1-2 weeks off. Your surgeon will be able to give you an exact date depending on your grade of piles and how well you are healing.
Driving:
You will generally be able to drive once you are off the stronger painkillers, can sit comfortably and react quickly without wincing. Most people will be able to drive after 3-5 days following a laser procedure. Start with short journeys. Long journeys should be avoided until the end of week 2.
Travelling:
Short local travelling can be done within a few days using a cushion and taking regular breaks. Long journeys by train, bus or plane are best avoided for 1-2 weeks. Take your medication, water and cushion with you. If you are travelling out of town let your doctor know so they can plan a follow up.
Exercise:
Light walking is great from day 1 to encourage good circulation and digestion. Light stretching and easy yoga can be done after around a week. Avoid heavy weight training, cycling, squats, running and high impact exercises for at least 3-4 weeks or until your doctor says it is okay. This will increase pressure in the area and may cause bleeding.
Wound Care & Sitz Bath
Laser piles surgery will leave very small or no wounds however the area will still be sensitive so it is important to keep it clean. Keeping the area clean will reduce the risk of irritation and infection.
To sit in a sitz bath fill a clean tub or sitz bath tub( available easily on amazon) with enough warm (not hot) water to cover your hips and bottom. Sit in the bath for 10-15 mins. Ensure your knees are spread to a comfortable position so the water covers the area. Sit in the bath 2-3 times a day and after passing a motion. Most people will find just warm water is enough. Your doctor may recommend adding a mild antiseptic solution. Once finished step out of the bath and pat the area dry with a clean soft towel. Do not rub.
After passing a motion rinse the area with some lukewarm water. Pat dry. Wear loose cotton underwear and change daily or more frequently if they get damp. If there is some discharge use a thin pad or gauze. Only use any ointments/creams as directed. Finish the full course of antibiotics/medication. Ensure the basin is kept clean and washed before each use.
What Is Normal & When Should I Contact My Doctor?
It is helpful to know what to expect.
Generally within the first 1-2 weeks you may experience some mild pain that is gradually improving, light bleeding onto toilet paper or in your motion, some swelling or a small soft lump near your bottom, watery or slightly bloodstained discharge, feeling of fullness and increased urge to pass a motion. Small amounts of bleeding after piles surgery, especially straight after passing a motion is common and will usually improve.
Contact your doctor the same day or visit your nearest A&E if you experience any of the following. Heavy, bright red bleeding that does not stop or soaks through your pad, severe pain that is getting worse, fever/chills, pus or smelly discharge, increasing redness and swelling around your bottom, difficulty passing urine or unable to pass urine, dizziness or fainting, no motions for 3 days despite taking laxatives or ongoing vomiting. If you are unsure always best to call and ask. Don’t wait until your next appointment.
How to Prevent Piles Coming Back
Whilst laser piles surgery will treat your current piles it will not change any bad habits. Most piles will return due to constipation, straining and leading a sedentary lifestyle. Making a few simple changes can really help.
Eat a high fibre diet and ensure you are drinking enough water. Try to go to the toilet when you feel the urge. Avoid sitting on the toilet for long periods of time or scrolling on your phone. Never strain. If your motions are hard talk to your doctor about a gentle laxative. Keep active. A 30 minute walk a day will help your gut. If you have a job that requires you to sit for long periods of time get up and walk for a couple of minutes every hour. Keep a healthy weight, avoid heavy lifting whilst holding your breath and treat any chronic cough or long term constipation. Attend your follow up appointments even if you are feeling completely fine as we can spot any small issues early.
Laser Piles Surgery Recovery Compared To Traditional Surgery
The main difference between laser piles surgery and traditional piles surgery is the damage to the tissue. Traditional hemorrhoidectomy involves cutting out the piles which will leave open wounds. These will take weeks to heal meaning you are likely to experience more pain, time in hospital, dressing changes and will take longer to return to work (often 2-3 weeks or longer). Laser hemorrhoidoplasty uses laser energy to shrink the pile tissue and cut off the blood supply. This means less pain, less bleeding, most people can go home the same day and return to routine quicker (often within a few days).
However laser piles surgery is not suitable for everyone. The best option for you will depend on the grade/type of piles, any other issues such as a fissure or fistula and your overall health. The only way to find out is to have a proper examination by a proctologist.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace personal medical advice. Everyone will heal differently so please follow the advice of your own surgeon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Piles Surgery Recovery
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1. How long do I need to rest for after piles laser surgery?
Most people will need to rest for 1-3 days. You can return to light everyday activities. Avoid heavy lifting and long periods of sitting for the first 1-2 weeks. Your surgeon will advise you on how long you should rest for.
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2. How long does it take to recover from laser piles surgery?
Laser piles surgery will generally take around 1-2 weeks to feel comfortable doing everyday activities. Full healing of the inside will take around 4-6 weeks. Younger patients with lower grade piles will often feel better quicker. Higher grade piles or other issues may take a little longer.
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3. Will I experience any pain or bleeding after laser piles surgery?
It is common to experience some mild pain and light bleeding especially when passing a motion. This will gradually improve. If you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain or fever contact your doctor.
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4. What should I eat after piles surgery?
Eat a high fibre diet with plenty of water. Include fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, dals and plenty of fluids. Avoid spicy, oily, fried and processed foods and alcohol for the first couple of weeks. Aim for soft easy motions.
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5. When can I return to work after piles surgery?
Most people will be able to return to desk based work after 3-5 days. Ensure you are using a cushion and taking regular walking breaks. If your job is physically demanding you may need 1-2 weeks off. Your doctor will confirm when you can return.